Mexican Senate passes bill holding pet owners accountable for abuse or negligence

On Tuesday, the Mexican Senate approved comprehensive legislation that recognizes animals as sentient beings and holds their owners accountable for their welfare. The law, dubbed the General Law on Animal Welfare, Care, and Protection, prohibits animal mistreatment and cruelty, while placing the responsibility for animals' health, nutrition, living conditions, and mental well-being on their owners or caregivers.

The bill, which passed with a vote of 115-1, aims to protect not only pets - estimated to be 69% of Mexican households' 80 million animals - but also animals used in sports, entertainment, zoos, aquariums, marketing, and for human consumption.

The law amends provisions of existing Federal Laws on Animal Health, Film and Audiovisual Media, General Laws on Wildlife, Ecological Balance, Environmental Protection, Civil Protection, and incorporates the Mexican Constitution's prohibition of animal abuse. It goes beyond current legislation by establishing obligations for individuals who have animals in their care, such as providing adequate food, water, veterinary care, and a proper living environment.

Violations of these obligations, or any act or omission causing pain, suffering, or endangering the life and well-being of animals will result in penalties, including fines, administrative arrests of up to 36 hours, confiscation of the animals, closure of establishments, or revocation of permits or concessions.

Furthermore, the new legislation mandates the establishment of reporting mechanisms for animal abuse and the creation of a national registry of violators. PAN Senator Gina Gerardina Campuzano González emphasized that the bill aims to initiate a new chapter for animal protection in Mexico, where seven out of ten animals suffer abuse, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.